A Kentucky House committee passed a bill that bolsters age verification and parental controls on social media and AI platforms.
Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville, introduced House Bill 227 that requires social media and AI platforms to strengthen age verification and parental controls for children 15 and under. It also provides parents with tools to better manage their child’s online experience.
“The bill bans manipulative features like ‘infinite scrolling’ for children, which can keep users glued to screens for hours. The attorney general would enforce the new law. It also allows parents and the attorney general to seek civil penalties,” according to the attorney general’s office.
The House Standing Committee on Small Business and Information Technology passed the legislation without opposition on Wednesday.
Attorney General Russell Coleman praised the bill as an avenue to protect Kentucky’s children from addictive features and predatory data collection.
“We know that excessive screen time poses serious risks for our children’s health and development. By creating responsible safeguards, we can take necessary steps to protect our kids’ mental and physical health,” Coleman said. “I’m grateful for Representative Lockett’s strong leadership for Kentucky’s kids, and I respectfully ask all of our legislators to move this legislation quickly.”
The legislation now goes to the full House for consideration.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
